Device to device grouping of personal communication nodes

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, software and apparatus enable device to device grouping of personal communication nodes include managing a communication node group having communication node members. Attribute information from the communication nodes is provided to a management system that defines communication group membership based on the received attribute information. The management system transmits group membership status notifications to the communication nodes. Membership status controls a node&#39;s participation in group communications. Attribute information can include changes (such as dynamic changes) in one or more communication node attributes, such as location, proximity to other communication nodes, speed, etc.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/880,281, filed on Jan. 25, 2018, entitled “DEVICE TO DEVICE GROUPINGOF PERSONAL COMMUNICATION NODES”, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/157,517, filed on May 18, 2016, entitled “DEVICETO DEVICE GROUPING OF PERSONAL COMMUNICATION NODES,” which claims thebenefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/163,703, entitled “DEVICE TO DEVICE GROUPING OF PERSONALCOMMUNICATION NODES”, filed May 19, 2015. Each patent applicationidentified above is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety forall purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the disclosure are related to communications and, inparticular, to establishing and maintaining communication groups basedon attributes.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Telephones, computers, and tablets provide an efficient way for users tocommunicate without being in the same physical location. However, thesedevices often require the user to provide multiple inputs andpreferences for each of the communications before the communications cantake place. Such preferences may include the individuals involved in thecommunication, a contact identifier for the individuals in thecommunication, amongst a variety of other preferences. Moreover, whenbusy performing other tasks, it is often obtrusive to hold a telephone,computer, or tablet to make the communication, and takes focus away fromthe current task. Additionally, changes in the composition of a groupengaged in communications can make it difficult and/or impractical forgroup members to make appropriate changes to their respectivecommunication devices to maintain the correct group members in thecommunication activity. As a result, it would be advantageous tofacilitate establishing and maintaining communication groups in a mannerthat is dynamic, simple and reliable for users.

OVERVIEW

Implementations of device to device grouping of personal communicationnodes include managing a communication node group comprising a pluralityof communication nodes. A group management system receives attributeinformation from the communication nodes and defines communication groupmembership based on the received attribute information. The managementsystem then transmits group membership status notifications to thevarious communication nodes. The membership status controls eachcommunication node's participation in group communications. Theattribute information can include changes (such as dynamic changes) inone or more communication node attributes, such as location, proximityto other communication nodes, speed, etc.

Implementations can be used to establish, update and terminatecommunication groups and membership in such groups. Changes can be basedon changes in communication nodes' locations and other attributes thatare monitored and/or collected by each communication node and suppliedto the management system.

This Overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the TechnicalDisclosure. It may be understood that this Overview is not intended toidentify or emphasize key features or essential features of the claimedsubject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of theclaimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system and operation of personal communicationnodes.

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary systems for personal communication nodes.

FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of a personal communication node fornode to node grouping.

FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of a management system for node to nodegrouping of personal communication nodes.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system for node to node grouping of personalcommunication nodes.

FIG. 6 illustrates dynamic allocation of attributes for node to nodegrouping of personal communications nodes.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example scenario of node to node grouping ofpersonal communication nodes for a business meeting.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of node to node grouping of personalcommunication nodes with in-car computer systems.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of node to node grouping of personalcommunication nodes for emergency response teams.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates system 100 and operation of personal communicationnodes 102-106. Personal communication nodes 102-106 may each comprisetransceivers, speakers, microphones, processing systems, communicationinterfaces, environmental sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, GlobalPositioning System (GPS) receivers, user interfaces and other componentsand/or systems to detect various attributes and to send and receivecommunications to and from management system 120 and other personalcommunication nodes. Management system 120 may comprise a server systemcomprising one or more computing devices capable of managing services toand for a plurality of personal communication nodes, such as personalcommunication nodes 102-106. Management system 120 is capable ofoperating over one or more computing devices.

Personal communication nodes 102, 104 and 106 communicate with eachother and/or with other personal communication nodes over associatedlinks 144, 145. Personal communication nodes 102, 104 and 106 can alsocommunicate with management system 120 over associated ones of links141-143. Management service system 120 communicates with personalcommunication nodes via link 140, which can comprise one or more networklinks in this example.

In FIG. 1, each personal communication node monitors and/or collects oneor more attributes from associated microphones, GPS receivers,accelerometers, transceivers, sensors, or other devices capable ofmonitoring the attributes discussed herein. These attributes compriseany data or information that may be used to define a communicationgroup. For example, time, date, location, communication state, networkstate, identity, physical proximity, and traveling speed may beattributes of one or more personal communication nodes that may be usedto form a group. In addition to attributes that exist naturally (e.g.location, time, date, physical proximity), attributes also may comprisedata that is provided by a user (e.g., group selection, durationlimits). Communication groups comprise a nexus of specified personalcommunication nodes for interactive communications, information sharing,data exchange, and other mutual exchange.

Personal communication nodes within a group may use secure communicationmethods. Secure communication methods include means by which users ofpersonal communication nodes 102-106 may securely share informationamong each other without third-party interception or monitoring of theinformation or associated communications. Secure communication methodsmay comprise symmetric key encryption, asymmetric key encryption,public-key encryption, or some other type of encryption, includingcombinations thereof. The actual communications between personalcommunication nodes can employ secure communication methods, and theassociated links can employ secure communication methods independently.

Personal communication nodes 102-106 periodically transfer messages fordelivery to management system 120 indicating changes in one or more nodeattributes (in some implementations the nodes transfer at least dynamicchanges). Personal communication nodes 102-106 may transfer a message tomanagement system 120 whenever an attribute changes or at scheduledand/or periodic intervals. Management system 120 uses received attributeinformation (e.g., attribute changes, in some instances at least thedynamic changes in one or more attributes) to form, maintain, updateand/or terminate one or more groups of personal communication nodes102-106 and communicates group membership status information to personalcommunication nodes 102-106 (e.g., current status relative to a specificgroup and/or past status relative to a specific group, sent to eachcommunication node in a group status notification). Management systemfeatures discussed herein may be executed in management system 120 oralternatively can be performed by one or more of personal communicationnodes 102-106, including combinations and variations thereof (includingone or more nodes operating in concert with management system 120).

In the non-limiting example of FIG. 1, management system 120 forms GroupA 150, which includes personal communication nodes 102 and 104 based onAttribute Set 1. Personal communication nodes 102 and 104 receive anaffirmative group membership status transferred by management system 120(e.g., a group membership status notification sent by management system120) and begin communicating with each other either via links 141 and142 and/or via link 144. During operation, any of personal communicationnodes 102-106 can detect changes in one or more of their attributes andupdate their attribute profile (e.g., by transferring messagescontaining attribute information for delivery to management system 120indicating at least dynamic changes in the one or more attributes). Whenrequired or justified by the received attribute information (e.g.,attribute change information and/or data), management system 120 canmodify the group membership status of one or more of personalcommunication nodes 102-106 based on and/or using the received attributeinformation (e.g., attribute change, in some instances at least thedynamic changes in one or more attributes) and subsequently define GroupB 151 to include personal communication nodes 104 and 106, but notpersonal communication node 102, based on Attribute Set 2. One or moreof personal communication nodes 102-106 receive a group membershipstatus notification sent or otherwise provided by management system 120and accordingly change their associated group membership and/oroperation based at least on the group membership status. In thenon-limiting example of FIG. 1, personal communication node 102discontinues communication with personal communication node 104 andpersonal communication nodes 104 and 106 begin communications over links142 and 143 and/or over link 145 based on group membership status.

Attribute Set 1 and Attribute Set 2 of FIG. 1 may comprise data or otherinformation that can be used to define a group (including creating a newgroup, terminating an existing group, and/or updating an existinggroup). For example, time, date, location, communication status, networkstatus, identity, physical proximity, and traveling speed may beattributes of personal communication nodes 102-106 that can be used todefine a group. For example, Attribute Set 1 may comprise the followingattributes at time T₁ (the starting time of the meeting): end useridentity; time, date and location of a meeting; and physical proximityof personal communication nodes 102-106. Personal communication nodes102 and 104 transfer messages containing associated attributeinformation to management system 120. Management system 120 defines theattributes as Attribute Set 1 and forms Group A 150 at the time of themeeting. Personal communication nodes 102 and 104 receive an affirmativegroup membership status notification sent (transferred) by managementsystem 120 and begin communicating with each other either via links 141and 142 and/or via link 144. The end users of personal communicationdevices 102 and 104 can begin their meeting.

Attributes for personal communication nodes 102-106 pertaining to time,date, and location change after the meeting, and this attributeinformation is transferred using messages sent to management system 120indicating changes (e.g., attribute changes such as dynamic changes) toAttribute Set 1. Management system 120 modifies the group membershipstatus of personal communication nodes 102-106 using at least thereceived attribute changes and defines Group B 151 to include personalcommunication nodes 104 and 106, but not personal communication node102, based on Attribute Set 2. Attributes Set 2 may include thefollowing attributes at time T₂ (the time the meeting is ended): enduser identity; a friend status; and physical proximity of personalcommunication nodes 104-106. Personal communication nodes 102-106receive a group membership status notification transferred by managementsystem 120 and change their associated group membership based at leaston the group membership status. Personal communication nodes 104 and 106begin communications over links 142 and 143 and/or over link 145. Nowthe end user of personal communication node 104 may communicate with herfriend, the end user of personal communication node 106, while the enduser of personal communication node 104 drives to the house of the enduser of personal communication node 106. When the end user of personalcommunication node 104 arrives at her destination and meets the end userof personal communication node 106, personal communication nodes 104 and106 provide attribute information indicating that they are within closephysical proximity and thus mute the speakers so that the end users maycarry on a face-to-face conversation without use of communication nodes104 and 106.

Communication links 140-143 connect personal communication nodes 102-106to management service system 120 using appropriate linking (e.g.,non-limiting examples of Long Term Evolution (LTE), Global System forMobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),wireless (e.g., IEEE 802.11 WiFi), Bluetooth, Personal Area Networks(PANs), Wide Area Networks, (WANs), Local Area Networks (LANs), WirelessLocal Area Networks (WLANs), Internet Protocol (IP), Ethernet,synchronous optical networking (SONET), hybrid fiber-coax (HFC), TimeDivision Multiplex (TDM), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM),circuit-switched, communication signaling, wireless communications, orsome other communication format, including improvements thereof.Communication links 144-145 connect personal communication nodes 102 and104 and personal communication nodes 104 and 106, respectively (e.g.,non-limiting examples including Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11 WiFi, infrared,ultrasonic or any communication format including improvements thereof).Communication links 140-145 each use metal, glass, optical, air, space,or some other material as the transport media. Communication links140-145 may each be a direct link, or may include intermediate networks,systems, or devices, and may include a logical network link transportedover multiple physical links.

To further illustrate example configurations of the personalcommunication nodes of FIG. 1, node 201 of FIG. 2 is presented (node 201may represent one of the communication nodes 102-106 of FIG. 1 oranother alternate communication node implementation). A firstnon-limiting example (Example 1) illustrates a personal communicationnode 201A comprising a separate end user device that communicates withother group members via an intermediate communication device (e.g., awireless communication device). In some implementations, the end userdevice can be a personal (e.g., wearable) electronic device thatcommunicates through an intermediate communication device such as asmartphone, tablet, laptop or other computing system or device.

A second non-limiting example (Example 2) illustrates a personalcommunication node 201B that does not employ multiple distinct devices,but instead utilizes a single wireless communication device, such as apersonal communication node that contains and includes all necessarywireless communication interfaces and processing resources, among otherfeatures. Furthermore, software 208 usable in these and other examplescan comprise a virtual machine that is executed on a computing device,including virtual devices or software executed by a virtualizedprocessing system or virtualized computing system. It should beunderstood that features and functions of management system 120 of FIG.1 can be included in the non-limiting examples of FIG. 2, along withfeatures and functions of the personal communication nodes.

As noted, FIG. 2 illustrates two non-limiting exemplary systems 200 forpersonal communication nodes, such as personal communication node 201.Personal communication node 201 can be an example of personalcommunication nodes 102-106; however, personal communication node 201may have alternative configurations and methods of operation. Example 1comprises node 201A, which includes intermediate wireless communicationdevice 205 and end user device 214. Intermediate communication device205 may be a wireless device that comprises a smartphone, tablet device,computer, gaming device, laptop computer, or some other communicationdevice capable of communicating using packet networks or some othercommunication network. Example 2 illustrates personal communication nodesoftware within an operating environment of an electronic device,wherein the electronic device may comprise a smartphone, tablet device,computer, gaming device, laptop computer, or some other communicationdevice capable of communicating using packet networks or some othercommunication network, running a personal communication node softwareapplication that comprises personal communication node 201.

In the illustrated Example 1, node 201A further comprises processingsystem 202 and communication interface system 210. Processing system 202further comprises processing circuitry 204 and storage system 206.Processing circuitry 204 comprises microprocessors and other circuitrythat retrieves and executes software 208 from storage system 206.Processing circuitry 204 may be embedded in various types of equipmentand may comprise a single device or could be distributed across multipledevices—including devices in different geographic areas.

Storage system 206 comprises a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium, such as a disk drive, flash drive, data storage circuitry, orsome other hardware memory apparatus. Storage system 206 may comprise asingle device or could be distributed across multiple devices—includingdevices in different geographic areas. Storage system 206 may beembedded in various types of equipment. In some examples, a computerapparatus and/or computing system could comprise processing circuitry204, storage system 206 and software 208. Software 208 comprisesattributes module 220 and connection module 222, which may be part of orsupplemental to communication software that enables group members'communication with one another. In addition, software 208 may includeoperating systems, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications,or some other type of software.

Attributes module 220 monitors and in some cases may collect and/orstore one or more attributes of personal communication node 201A andperiodically transfers a message for delivery to a management system,where the message includes attribute information (e.g., regardingchanges in the one or more attributes, and/or providing at least dynamicchanges). Personal communication node 201A may comprise attributesensors such as transceivers, speakers, microphones, processing systems,communication interfaces, environmental sensors, accelerometers,gyroscopes, Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, user interfacesand other systems to monitor various attributes and providecommunications to a management system (e.g., management system 120 ofFIG. 1). Attributes module 220 may monitor attribute sensors (e.g.,periodically or continuously) or attribute sensors may send an interruptto attributes module 220 when a change is detected. Connection module222 receives group membership status notification transferred by amanagement system or the like, and changes the group membership ofpersonal communication node 201A based at least on the group membershipstatus so that personal communication nodes included in the group maycommunicate with one another.

Communication interface system 210 further comprises transceiver 212 forcommunicating with device 214. Transceiver 212 comprises communicationcomponents, such as ports, signal processing circuitry, memory,software, and the like. Transceiver 212 communicates with device 214over a link that may comprise a Bluetooth communication link, WiFi link,infrared, ultrasonic or any other communication link between personalcommunication node 201A and device 214.

In the illustrated Example 2, node 201B may comprise a processing systemfurther comprising processing circuitry and a storage system. Processingcircuitry may comprise microprocessors and other circuitry thatretrieves and executes software 208. Processing circuitry may comprise asingle device or could be distributed across multiple devices—includingdevices in different geographic areas. Processing circuitry may beembedded in various types of equipment. Node 201B may also comprise astorage system further comprising a non-transitory computer readablestorage medium, such as a disk drive, flash drive, data storagecircuitry, or some other hardware memory apparatus. The storage systemmay comprise a single device or be distributed across multipledevices—including devices in different geographic areas. The storagesystem may be embedded in various types of equipment.

Node 201B further comprises software 208 including attributes module 220and connection module 222, which may be part of or supplemental tocommunication software that enables group members' communication withone another. In addition, software 208 may include operating systems,utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other typeof software. Attributes module 220 monitors one or more attributes ofpersonal communication node 201B and periodically transfers a messagefor delivery to a management system (e.g., indicating at least dynamicchanges in the one or more attributes). Connection module 222 receivesgroup membership status notifications transferred by the managementsystem, and changes the group membership of personal communication node201B based at least on the group membership status so that personalcommunication nodes include in the group may communication with oneanother.

FIG. 3 illustrates one non-limiting exemplary method 300 of theoperation of a personal communication node for node to node grouping.Initially, one or more attributes of a personal communication node aremonitored (302). A personal communication node implementing process 300may comprise a speaker, microphone, processing system, communicationinterface, environmental detectors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPSreceivers, a user interface and other devices to monitor and/or collectattributes. In addition, a personal communication node may furthercomprise an attributes module that monitors and/or collects one or moreattributes of the personal communication node. Next, the personalcommunication node transfers (304) a message (e.g., periodically) fordelivery to a management system (e.g., indicating at least dynamicchanges in the one or more attributes). Such messages can be transferredover an appropriate communication link. A group membership statusnotification is then transferred (306) by the management system. In someimplementations the group membership status is updated or modified bythe management system using attribute changes provided by the personalcommunication node. A personal communication node may comprise aconnection module that sends messages to a management system andreceives group membership status notifications transferred from themanagement system. Finally, the group membership of the personalcommunication node can be changed (308) based at least on the receivedgroup membership status. The connection module is configured to changethe group membership of the personal communication node.

FIG. 4 illustrates one non-limiting exemplary method 400 of theoperation of a management system for node to node grouping of personalcommunication nodes. First, the management system receives (402) one ormore notifications of changes in the attributes of a plurality ofpersonal communication nodes (e.g., dynamic changes). The managementsystem then determines (404) group membership changes (e.g., based on atleast the dynamic changes in the attributes). Finally, the managementsystem transfers (406) group membership status (e.g., in a notification)for delivery to the one or more of the personal communication nodesdefining group membership.

Referring to FIG. 5, computing system 501 is generally intended torepresent one or more computing systems on which software 508 may bedeployed and executed in order to implement attributes module 520 andconnection module 522 to operate as a personal communication node or amanagement system. In the non-limiting exemplary system 501 of FIG. 5,software 508 and any other software usable to implement dynamic mutingas described herein can be stored in storage system 503, which is partof processing system 502, though other configurations can be used.Moreover, computing system 501 may also be suitable as any computingsystem on which software 508 may be staged and from where one or bothmay be distributed, transported, downloaded, or otherwise provided toyet another computing system for deployment and execution, or yetadditional distribution.

Communication interface system 507 may include communication connectionsand devices that allow for communication with other computing systemsover a communication network. Examples of connections and devices thattogether allow for inter-system communication may include networkinterface cards, antennas, power amplifiers, RF circuitry, transceivers,and other communication circuitry. The connections and devices maycommunicate over communication media to exchange communications withother computing systems or networks of systems, such as metal, glass,air, or any other suitable communication media. The aforementionedmedia, connections, and devices are well known and need not be discussedat length here.

User interface system 509 is optional and may include a keyboard, amouse, a voice input device, a touch input device for receiving a touchgesture from a user, a motion input device for detecting non-touchgestures and other motions by a user, and other comparable input devicesand associated processing elements capable of receiving user input froma user. Output devices such as a display, speakers, haptic devices, andother types of output devices may also be included in user interfacesystem 509. In some cases, the input and output devices may be combinedin a single device, such as a display capable of displaying images andreceiving touch gestures. The aforementioned user input and outputdevices are well known in the art and need not be discussed at lengthhere.

User interface system 509 may also include associated user interfacesoftware executable by processing system 502 in support of the varioususer input and output devices discussed above. Separately or inconjunction with each other and other hardware and software elements,the user interface software and user interface devices may support agraphical user interface, a natural user interface, or any other type ofuser interface. In addition, user input made with respect to the userinterfaces may be input via user interface system 509.

Communication between computing system 501 and any other computingsystem may occur over a communication network or networks and inaccordance with various communication protocols, combinations ofprotocols, or variations thereof. Examples of such communicationnetworks include intranets, internets, the Internet, local areanetworks, wide area networks, wireless networks, wired networks, virtualnetworks, software defined networks, data center buses, computingbackplanes, or any other type of network, combination of network, and/orvariations thereof and other well known modes. Some communicationprotocols that may be used include, but are not limited to, the Internetprotocol (IP, IPv4, IPv6, etc.), the transfer control protocol (TCP),and the user datagram protocol (UDP), as well as any other suitablecommunication protocol, variation, or combination thereof.

In any of the aforementioned examples in which information is exchanged,the exchange of information may occur in accordance with any of avariety of protocols, including FTP (file transfer protocol), HTTP(hypertext transfer protocol), HTTPS (HTTP secure), SOAP (simply objectaccess protocol), REST (representational state transfer), WebSocket, DOM(Document Object Model), HTML (hypertext markup language), CSS(cascading style sheets), HTML5, XML (extensible markup language),JavaScript, JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), and AJAX (AsynchronousJavaScript and XML), as well as any other suitable protocol, variation,or combination thereof.

FIG. 6 illustrates dynamic definition of a communication group (e.g.,using allocation of attributes) for node to node grouping of personalcommunications nodes. Personal communication nodes 602-612 are examplesof personal communication nodes (e.g., similar to one or more shown asnodes 102-106 in FIG. 1 and node 201 in FIG. 2). However, personalcommunication nodes 602-612 may have alternative configurations andmethods of operation. Groups are created or modified by the managementsystem using attribute changes supplied by one or more communicationnodes (e.g., at least the dynamic changes in one or more attributesassociated with personal communication nodes 604-612 in FIG. 6).Attributes comprise information or data that may be used by themanagement system to define groups, thus allowing groups to changedynamically over time without the need for user input. User-createdand/or user-defined attributes may also be included and provided to amanagement system in order to create a group.

As defined at time T₁, group 620 comprises personal communication node602, personal communication node 604 and personal communication node606. In some implementations personal communication nodes 602-606 shareat least one common attribute contained in Attribute Set 1 (attributesthat are sent to a management system responsible for defining andmodifying groups, for example), and therefore have received anaffirmative group membership status notification for group 620 from amanagement system (e.g., management system 120 of FIG. 6 which in someimplementations can operate similarly to management system 120 of FIG.1). Personal communication nodes that are in the same group are able tocommunicate with one another (e.g., communicating directly with oneanother or communicating via management system 120). In someimplementations end users of personal communication nodes 604-606 maycommunicate with each other as long as group 620 exists.

Personal communication nodes 602-612 monitor or collect one or moreattributes relating to each node and each node transfers a message tothe management system indicating attribute changes (e.g., at leastdynamic changes in one or more attributes). The management systemmodifies the group membership status of personal communication nodes602-612 using Attribute Set 2 (which has been updated with attributechanges provided by one or more of nodes 602-612 since time T₁).Personal communication nodes 602 and 604 receive an affirmative groupmembership status notification from management system 120 group 622 attime T₂. Personal communication nodes 602 and 604 experienceuninterrupted group communication during the transition from group 620to group 622, however personal communication node 606 is no longer agroup member and is no longer in communication with personalcommunication nodes 602 and 604 when group 622 is created (or when group620 transforms into group 622) by time T₂.

Personal communication nodes 602-612 each continue to monitor and/orcollect one or more attributes and each node transfers an attributechange message to management system 120 (e.g., indicating at leastdynamic changes in one or more attributes). Management system 120modifies the group membership status of personal communication nodes602-612 using Attribute Set 3. Personal communication nodes 602, 604,608, 610 and 612 receive an affirmative group membership statusnotification from the management system to define group 624 at time T₃.Personal communication nodes 602 and 604 experience uninterruptedcommunication during the transition from group 622 to group 624, howeverpersonal communication nodes 608, 610 and 612 are now in communicationwith personal communication nodes 602 and 604.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary scenario of node to node grouping ofpersonal communication nodes for a business or other meeting. Personalcommunication nodes 702-712 are examples of personal communication nodes(e.g., similar to one or more shown as nodes 102-106 in FIG. 1 and node201 in FIG. 2); however, personal communication nodes 702-712 may havealternative configurations and methods of operation.

A management system (not shown) uses Attribute Set 1 to define group 720as including personal communication nodes 702-710 at time T₁. End userof personal communication node 702 is driving to work at time T₁.Personal communication node 702 may communicate with the members ofgroup 720 (e.g., via an onboard wireless communication system in thecar, effectively making the car personal communication node 702, or viaa wireless communication device in the car that uses a wirelesscommunication system available for mobile devices). End users ofpersonal communication nodes 704-710 are sitting in a meeting room andconversing with the end user of personal communication node 702. Sincethe end users of personal communication nodes 704-710 are in the sameroom, audible transmissions from personal communication node 702 are theonly communications broadcast (e.g., via one or more of personalcommunication nodes 704-710) so as not to interfere with theconversation in the room. Personal communication node 702 receivesaudible communications from personal communication nodes 704-710.

The end user of personal communication node 712 enters the meeting roomat time T₂. Personal communication nodes 702-712 monitor and/or collectone or more attributes pertaining to each node and each node sendsattribute change information to the management system (e.g., dynamicchange information indicating at least dynamic changes in one or moreattributes). The management system can use a location or relatedattribute of each of personal communication nodes 702-712 and modify (asnecessary, for example) the group membership status of personalcommunication nodes 702-712 using Attribute Set 2 (which can includerecently received attributes and/or attribute changes supplied by therelevant communication nodes). Personal communication nodes 702-712receive an affirmative group membership status notification from themanagement system for group 722 at time T₂. Personal communication nodes702-710 experience uninterrupted communication during the transitionfrom group 720 to group 722. However, personal communication nodes702-710 are now additionally in communication with personalcommunication node 712.

The end users of personal communication nodes 704 and 712 subsequentlyleave the meeting room at time T₃. Personal communication nodes 702-712each monitor and/or collect one or more attributes and each nodetransfers an attribute change message to the management system (e.g.,indicating at least dynamic changes in one or more attributes). Themanagement system uses Attribute Set 3 (which can include recentlyreceived attributes and/or attribute changes supplied by the relevantcommunication nodes) to define group 724 and modifies the groupmembership status of personal communication nodes 702-712. Personalcommunication nodes 702, 706, 708 and 710 receive an affirmative groupmembership status notification for group 724 from the management systemfor group at time T₃. Personal communication nodes 702-710 experienceuninterrupted communication during the transition from group 722 togroup 724. However, personal communication nodes 702 and 712 are nolonger in communication with members of the former group 722, which hasbeen transformed into group 724 as a result (at least in part) ofattribute change(s). The management system uses Attribute Set 4, whichcomprises attribute information pertaining to personal communicationnodes 704 and 712, to recognize that the end users have left the meeting(former group 722), yet would like to remain in communication. Themanagement system modifies the group membership status of personalcommunication nodes 702-712 (or at least nodes 704 and 712) usingAttribute Set 4. Personal communication nodes 704 and 712 receive anaffirmative group membership status notification for group 726 from themanagement system at time T₃. Personal communication nodes 704 and 712experience uninterrupted communication during the transition from group724 to group 726. However, personal communication nodes 704 and 712 areno longer in communication with personal communication nodes 702, 706,708 and 710.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of node to node grouping of personalcommunication nodes with in-car (and/or otherwise portable or mobile)computer systems. In-car computer systems communicate over a type ofnetwork in which vehicles and roadside units are the communicatingnodes, providing each other with information, such as safety warningsand traffic information. In-car computer systems also can be capable ofwireless communication with the Internet and other wireless globalcommunication networks. Personal communication nodes 802-808 areexamples of personal communication nodes (e.g., similar to one or moreshown as nodes 102-106 in FIG. 1 and node 201 in FIG. 2); however,personal communication nodes 802-808 may have alternative configurationsand methods of operation.

Group 820 initially comprises personal communication nodes 804-808(e.g., based at least on one or more attributes associated with personalcommunication nodes 804-808). Personal communication nodes 804-808 areconfigured to wirelessly exchange data with in-car computer systems.Bluetooth, WiFi, infrared, ultrasonic or any other similar shortdistance communication link may be used to exchange data betweenpersonal communication nodes 804-808 and in-car computer systems.Personal communication nodes 804-808 automatically begin communicationwith in-car computer systems when the car is within range of theapplicable communication link. In some implementations, once eachpersonal communication node 804-808 pairs with its respective in-carcomputer system, the car becomes the personal communication node.

In the non-limiting example group 820, group membership can be based onat least a vehicle attribute and a business team attribute. End users ofnodes 802-808 may verbally communicate with each other as well asexchanging data (e.g., meeting details) for display on their respectivein-car computer systems. In FIG. 8 personal communication nodes 804-808are driving on different roads while personal communication node 802approaches a parked vehicle. Personal communication node 802communicates with the in-car computer system when the end user ofpersonal communication node 802 starts the vehicle or otherwise permitspairing with an in-car computing system. The in-car computer system thenbecomes (or is a part of) a personal communication node 802. Meetingdetails can be automatically transferred to personal communication node802 for display.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of node to node grouping of personalcommunication nodes for emergency response teams. Personal communicationnodes may be members of more than one group simultaneously. Emergencyresponder group 908 comprises fire department group 902, policedepartment group 904 and medical responder group 906. Fire departmentgroup 902, police department group 904 and medical responder group 906each comprise a plurality of personal communication nodes.

Emergency responder group 908 allows different types of emergencyresponders to communicate with each other while responding to aparticular emergency. Other types of group and sub-group implementationsare likewise available using node to node grouping of personalcommunication nodes. Emergency responder group 908 membership status isbased, at a minimum, on attribute information (e.g., a plurality ofpersonal communication nodes' attributes). For example, useridentification, job title, rank, emergency responder type, emergencyidentification and physical location are some attributes that may beused to form emergency responder group 908. Emergency responder group908 can dynamically change to accommodate the particular emergency athand because groups can be dynamically created, modified and terminatedbased on attributes received from the personal communication nodes. Inthe case of a fire, a management system may form a group comprisingfiremen who arrive at the fire scene first, then emergency medicalresponders who arrive subsequently, and then police officers based ontheir proximity to the emergency. In another example other than a fire(e.g., a crime, shooting, automobile accident), emergency respondergroup 908 may initially comprise police officers and emergency medicalresponders. It should be appreciated that, while FIG. 9 illustratesemergency responder group 908 as a singular group, some implementationspermit the creation and modification of a plurality of emergencyresponder groups that could be dynamically created or modified based onthe emergency situation at hand and the progress made in addressing theemergency.

FIG. 9 also illustrates emergency responder group 908 further comprisingfire department group 902, police department group 904 and medicalresponder group 906. Emergency responders may choose (e.g., at selecttimes, circumstances and/or locations) to communicate only withemergency responders of the same group in order to limit the totalnumber of communications received (e.g., to prevent excessivecommunication). For example, a given crime (e.g., a terrorist attack)may result in fires and injuries. Emergency responder group 908 iscreated comprising fire department group 902, police department group904 and medical responder group 906. Thus all emergency respondermembers of group 908 can communicate as they rush to the scene. Once theemergency has been evaluated, fire department group 902, policedepartment group 904 and medical responder group 906 may choose tocommunicate within their own groups (e.g., to focus fire abatementefforts, to permit triaging of injured individuals). Personalcommunication nodes are capable of group membership to a plurality ofgroups and the end user may choose (e.g., via one or moreuser-selectable attributes) which group to join, communicate with and/orexit at any given time. While FIGS. 1-9 generally depict relatively fewpersonal communication nodes, management systems and attribute modulesin exemplary groups, it may be appreciated that the concepts disclosedherein may be scaled to apply to a wide variety of settings, systems andsituations. For example, any group disclosed herein could be deployed insupport of any number of personal communication nodes.

The included descriptions and figures depict specific embodiments toteach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode. Forthe purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspectshave been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art willappreciate variations from these embodiments that fall within the scopeof the invention. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that thefeatures described above may be combined in various ways to formmultiple embodiments. As a result, the invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments described above, but only by the claims and theirequivalents.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A method comprising: operating a management systemto control a plurality of communication node groups, each communicationnode group comprising a plurality of communication nodes, including:collecting attribute information at the management system from theplurality of communication nodes; and dynamically adjusting, via themanagement system, operations of at least some of the plurality ofcommunication nodes based on the attribute information.
 22. The methodof claim 21 further comprising: dynamically adjusting the operations ofthe at least some of the plurality of communication nodes includes:modifying the membership of specific communication nodes in selectedcommunication node groups based on dynamic changes to the attributeinformation of the specific communication nodes; and sending groupmembership status notifications to the specific communication nodesdirecting the specific communication nodes to dynamically adjust theiroperation.
 23. The method of claim 22 further comprising: the specificcommunication nodes include a first node, a second node, and a thirdnode; dynamically adjusting the operations of the at least some of theplurality of communication nodes further includes: evaluating attributeinformation from the specific communication nodes; based on theattribute information, creating a first communication group includingthe first node and the second node, and not including the third node;evaluating dynamic changes to the attribute information of the specificcommunication nodes; based on the dynamic changes: removing the secondcommunication node from the first communication group; and creating asecond communication group including the second communication node andthe third communication, and not including the first communication node.24. The method of claim 22 further comprising: directing a groupmembership status notification to an intermediate device of at least oneof the specific communication nodes, wherein the at least one of thespecific communication nodes includes: the intermediate deviceconfigured to communicate with the management system and an end userdevice; and the end user device, configured to: broadcast audiotransmissions received via the intermediate device; and receive audioinformation and transmit it, via the intermediate device, to othercommunication nodes sharing a group with the at least one of thespecific communication nodes.
 25. The method of claim 21 furthercomprising: the attribute information includes location information;dynamically adjusting the operations of at least some of the pluralityof communication nodes includes: muting speakers of selectedcommunication nodes based on the location information indicating theselected communication nodes are in close proximity to each other; andunmuting speakers of the selected communication nodes based on updatedattribute information indicated the selected communication nodes are nolonger in close proximity to each other.
 26. The method of claim 21further comprising: the management system is executed by a selected oneof the plurality of communication nodes; and dynamically adjusting theoperations of at least some of the plurality of communication nodesincludes creating a selected communication group including themanagement system and a selected subset of the plurality ofcommunication nodes based on the management system and the selectedsubset sharing a specific attribute set.
 27. The method of claim 21wherein the attribute information comprises information collected by theplurality of communication nodes without user input.
 28. The method ofclaim 21 wherein the attribute information comprises details regarding ascheduled meeting.
 29. An apparatus comprising: one or more processorsconfigured to perform a management system to control a plurality ofcommunication node groups, each communication node group comprising aplurality of communication nodes, including the one or more processorsconfigured to: collect attribute information from the plurality ofcommunication nodes; and dynamically adjust operations of at least someof the plurality of communication nodes based on the attributeinformation.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29 further comprising:dynamically adjust the operations of the at least some of the pluralityof communication nodes includes: modify the membership of specificcommunication nodes in selected communication node groups based ondynamic changes to the attribute information of the specificcommunication nodes; and send group membership status notifications tothe specific communication nodes directing the specific communicationnodes to dynamically adjust their operation.
 31. The apparatus of claim30 further comprising: the specific communication nodes include a firstnode, a second node, and a third node; dynamically adjust the operationsof the at least some of the plurality of communication nodes furtherincludes: evaluate attribute information from the specific communicationnodes; based on the attribute information, create a first communicationgroup including the first node and the second node, and not includingthe third node; evaluate dynamic changes to the attribute information ofthe specific communication nodes; based on the dynamic changes: removethe second communication node from the first communication group; andcreate a second communication group including the second communicationnode and the third communication, and not including the firstcommunication node.
 32. The apparatus of claim 29 further comprising:the attribute information includes location information; dynamicallyadjust the operations of the at least some of the plurality ofcommunication nodes further includes: mute speakers of selectedcommunication nodes based on the location information indicating theselected communication nodes are in close proximity to each other; andunmute speakers of the selected communication nodes based on updatedattribute information indicated the selected communication nodes are nolonger in close proximity to each other.
 33. The apparatus of claim 29further comprising: the management system is executed by a selected oneof the plurality of communication nodes; dynamically adjust theoperations of at least some of the plurality of communication nodesincludes: create a selected communication group including the managementsystem and a selected subset of the plurality of communication nodesbased on the management system and the selected subset sharing aspecific attribute set.
 34. The apparatus of claim 29 further comprisingthe attribute information comprises details regarding a scheduledmeeting.
 35. A memory device storing instructions that, when executed,cause one or more processors to perform a method comprising: operating amanagement system to control a plurality of communication node groups,each communication node group comprising a plurality of communicationnodes, including: collecting attribute information at the managementsystem from the plurality of communication nodes; and dynamicallyadjusting, via the management system, operations of at least some of theplurality of communication nodes based on the attribute information. 36.The memory device of claim 35 storing instructions that, when executed,cause the one or more processors to perform the method furthercomprising: dynamically adjusting the operations of the at least some ofthe plurality of communication nodes includes: modifying the membershipof specific communication nodes in selected communication node groupsbased on dynamic changes to the attribute information of the specificcommunication nodes; and sending group membership status notificationsto the specific communication nodes directing the specific communicationnodes to dynamically adjust their operation.
 37. The memory device ofclaim 36 storing instructions that, when executed, cause the one or moreprocessors to perform the method further comprising: the specificcommunication nodes include a first node, a second node, and a thirdnode; dynamically adjusting the operations of the at least some of theplurality of communication nodes further includes: evaluating attributeinformation from the specific communication nodes; based on theattribute information, creating a first communication group includingthe first node and the second node, and not including the third node;evaluating dynamic changes to the attribute information of the specificcommunication nodes; based on the dynamic changes: removing the secondcommunication node from the first communication group; and creating asecond communication group including the second communication node andthe third communication, and not including the first communication node.38. The memory device of claim 37 storing instructions that, whenexecuted, cause the one or more processors to perform the method furthercomprising: the attribute information includes location information;dynamically adjusting the operations of at least some of the pluralityof communication nodes includes: muting speakers of selectedcommunication nodes based on the location information indicating theselected communication nodes are in close proximity to each other; andunmuting speakers of the selected communication nodes based on updatedattribute information indicated the selected communication nodes are nolonger in close proximity to each other.
 39. The memory device of claim38 storing instructions that, when executed, cause the one or moreprocessors to perform the method further comprising the attributeinformation comprises details regarding a scheduled meeting.
 40. Thememory device of claim 39 storing instructions that, when executed,cause the one or more processors to perform the method furthercomprising: the management system is executed by a selected one of theplurality of communication nodes; and dynamically adjusting theoperations of at least some of the plurality of communication nodesincludes creating a selected communication group including themanagement system and a selected subset of the plurality ofcommunication nodes based on the management system and the selectedsubset sharing a specific attribute set.